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sam_reader_era's review
5.0
Copyright: 2021, Genre: Fiction
This picture book could be described using the same words Lydia (main character) uses to describe her librarian: gentle and kind. Plus, it talks about houselessness, providing a mirror and window for students. While also having a discussion on what "home" or "special place" might mean to some.
Libraries were important to me growing up as well. They offer so much and serve so many individuals in our community.
This picture book could be described using the same words Lydia (main character) uses to describe her librarian: gentle and kind. Plus, it talks about houselessness, providing a mirror and window for students. While also having a discussion on what "home" or "special place" might mean to some.
Libraries were important to me growing up as well. They offer so much and serve so many individuals in our community.
beths0103's review
4.0
The story this book is based on was featured on NPR's This American life. If you love libraries and librarians, this book will make you tear up.
greenvillemelissa's review
5.0
A cute and touching picture book about how the library becomes a sort of home for a homeless girl. The librarian always greets her with a smile and a hug. At the end, the girl becomes a librarian so she can be a positive influence in a child's life.
jennifermreads's review
5.0
When Lydia and her family had to leave their home, they hopped from house to house: grandma, aunt, cousin. No place was permanent. Then Lydia found her special spot in the library and with her new friend, the librarian.
Oh sure, Lydia M. Sigwarth, make a librarian cry! Here’s how this book came to my attention:
In the car, on their way to their first day of second grade, my nephews hear on the radio mention of a book called Dear Librarian. They shout to mom, who is trying to pay attention to curves in the road with her rowdy boys excitedly begging, “CALL AUNT JEN! She needs to read this book!” Mom says, “Dial Jen…” and, when Aunt Jen answers, she hears what has to be bubbling, excited, bouncing nephews. {How do they bounce when strapped in by seat belts? It is nephew magic!} Through the chaos, my sister says “We heard about this book on the radio just now. You HAVE to get it! It’s your story! Well, yours & Mrs. Cline’s story.” So, I check the library where I work. “Hmmm. We have the DVD but not the book? Guess I’ll buy it then and donate it when I am done.” The book arrives. Aunt Jen reads. Aunt Jen cries. Aunt Jen thinks fondly of her own childhood librarian, Mrs. Cline, the encouragement she gave a little girl, the stories Aunt Jen read because of Mrs. Cline’s recommendation (Mrs. Piggle Wiggle!!), and that, because of that caring lady (and a very supportive, super reader mom), Aunt Jen became a librarian.
I’m sure this book will warm many hearts and send many librarians searching for their own Mrs. Cline (or, in Lydia M. Sigwarth’s case, Debra Stephenson). My Mrs. Cline is in heaven but I know she smiles every time I bounce into work – and smiles bigger when I send a teen or child, and even the occasional adult, out with a huge stack of books they just cannot wait to read.
Oh, and I’m not donating the book. It will stay on my own shelves, warm my heart each time I see it, and always spark memories of Mrs. Cline.
Oh sure, Lydia M. Sigwarth, make a librarian cry! Here’s how this book came to my attention:
In the car, on their way to their first day of second grade, my nephews hear on the radio mention of a book called Dear Librarian. They shout to mom, who is trying to pay attention to curves in the road with her rowdy boys excitedly begging, “CALL AUNT JEN! She needs to read this book!” Mom says, “Dial Jen…” and, when Aunt Jen answers, she hears what has to be bubbling, excited, bouncing nephews. {How do they bounce when strapped in by seat belts? It is nephew magic!} Through the chaos, my sister says “We heard about this book on the radio just now. You HAVE to get it! It’s your story! Well, yours & Mrs. Cline’s story.” So, I check the library where I work. “Hmmm. We have the DVD but not the book? Guess I’ll buy it then and donate it when I am done.” The book arrives. Aunt Jen reads. Aunt Jen cries. Aunt Jen thinks fondly of her own childhood librarian, Mrs. Cline, the encouragement she gave a little girl, the stories Aunt Jen read because of Mrs. Cline’s recommendation (Mrs. Piggle Wiggle!!), and that, because of that caring lady (and a very supportive, super reader mom), Aunt Jen became a librarian.
I’m sure this book will warm many hearts and send many librarians searching for their own Mrs. Cline (or, in Lydia M. Sigwarth’s case, Debra Stephenson). My Mrs. Cline is in heaven but I know she smiles every time I bounce into work – and smiles bigger when I send a teen or child, and even the occasional adult, out with a huge stack of books they just cannot wait to read.
Oh, and I’m not donating the book. It will stay on my own shelves, warm my heart each time I see it, and always spark memories of Mrs. Cline.
hrbumga's review
5.0
Such a sweet story! I especially loved the autobiographical note at the end, it goes to show how important libraries can be and how they can shape a person's life.